Sea Kayaking

The Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds is known as the finest and most diverse coastal track in New Zealand.

Never has there been a better time to appreciate all that we have on our own doorstep. We're excited at the prospect of showing you our backyard.

Located at the top of the South Island, and it is accessible by boat from Picton to its beginning at the scenic and historic reserve of Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound. The Queen Charlotte Track is 72km long and most people walk the track over four days, although there is the ability to do any combination from one to five days.

With 1500km of coastline to explore, stretching from just north of Kaikoura to the tip of d'Urville Island, the Marlborough Sounds is a truly remarkable sea kayaking destination.

What makes your sea kayaking experience in the Marlborough Sounds different to other parts of New Zealand? The climate for a start - here at the top of the South Island, visitors can enjoy a generally settled year round climate with many more paddling days available than in other sea kayaking destinations around the country.

You'll also escape the crowds as with such an extensive network of waterways, even at the height of summer you can normally find a wee corner of paradise to explore without masses of others. Or, at least you won't be dashing to be first to already crowded beaches.

There is also the amazing range of accommodation options available for guided or independent sea kayakers - from Department of Conservation campsites spread conveniently a day's paddle apart to popular lodges and even five star resorts. Fancy stopping for a cappuccino or how about dining in a fine restaurant at some stage during your paddle? It’s all possible in the Marlborough Sounds.

And there is wilderness in abundance too so if you want to escape the crowds, we can design a trip with this in mind. Whatever your preference, the Marlborough Sounds has a memorable kayaking option for you. 

As Marlborough Sounds’ sea kayak operators, we have an unblemished safety record and our friendly, thorough and professional approach has seen many people come as customers and leave as friends. Wilderness Guides is adventure audit approved by Outdoors Mark and we operate above and beyond the SKOANZ (Sea Kayak Operators of New Zealand) Code of Practice. Please note with regulations in NZ we have a minimum age of 14years for Kayak Rental, when accompanied by a supervising adult.

We’ve had more than a decade of experience as one of the leading providers of sea kayak tours in the area and we are known for our flexibility and dedication to customer service. We truly care about your enjoyment, safety and comfort and nightly weather forecasts while you are on your trip are part of this.

So, talk to us soon about your kayak adventure in the Marlborough Sounds – this is where your adventure begins. While most of our tours require a minimum of two persons, if you are a solo traveller be sure to contact us to check if we have a trip departing as we often have tours available to join.

Your Local Guide

Let our team show you the Queen Charlotte Track and Marlborough Sounds.

Our team live, work and play in this fantastic region - your guides are local people. Call us on +64 3 5735432. Freephone (NZ only): 0800 266 266. Freephone (Aus only): 1800 281 827

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